Skywalker Ranch Fire: George Lucas Ranch Damaged By Fire

Director of "Star Wars" franchise George Lucas' famed Skywalker Ranch was damaged by a small fire Tuesday morning. Firefighters in Marin, Calif. are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which damaged a warehouse on the sit and caused $25,000 in damage. The building that was hit is used for shipments and caught fire sometime around 4 a.m. The 4,000 acre ranch is owned by Lucas and is home to Lucasfilm and Skywalker Sound HQ. No injuries were reported in the three-alarm fire that has since been contained. Mike Giannini, the Battalion Fire Chief, said the sprinkler system went off when the storage unit burst into flames, which proved helpful when firefighters arrived on the scene.

A small fire brigade, which operates in conjunction with the ranch, was also able to reach the fire before Marin County firefighters as they are located not far from the site. No valuables or "Star Wars"-related memorabilia were damaged in the fire. Office supplies and furniture were damaged in the blaze, which was able to be contained by 5:15 a.m. The fire required 11 engine companies and one truck company to be fully extinguished. It is surmised that the electric motor of an exhaust fan caused the blaze, but firefighters were unable to confirm the cause at the time the fire was put out. Lucas often uses the ranch home, located off of Lucas Valley Road just south of the town of Novato, Calif., as a retreat. It was unclear if he was present at the time of the fire.